Do stemness markers in oral erythroplakia have a role in malignant transformation: A comprehensive review

A b s t r ac t​ Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)—one of the most common neoplasms of the head and neck region—accounts for 90% of cancer-related deaths. It is a well-known fact that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in tumor progression, metastasis, drug and radiation resistance, and recurrence. Potentially malignant disorders are a group of lesions that demonstrate epithelial dysplasia and are more likely to precede squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Among the various potentially malignant disorders, erythroplakia, a non-scrapable red lesion of the oral mucosa, is the most aggressive exhibiting severe dysplasia. Carcinogenesis is a multistep and complex process commencing from exposure of carcinogen to development of malignancy. Among the various pathogenic mechanisms of carcinogenesis, the role of CSCs in the malignant transformation of erythroplakia has been less explored. With the available information, the present review aims to discuss the stemness markers associated with the erythroplakia and to establish its association with erythroplakia and the early onset of OSCCs.